RNA Summer Party

May 14, 2010

Well, I’m back down to Earth after a lovely evening in London at the RNA Summer Party. Nell Dixon, Liz Hanbury and I all caught the train together. Now, contrary to what we posted on Facebook en route, I’m afraid we weren’t really ‘quaffing Champagne’ but we were guzzling meat Malt Loaf. Next time, we will take the champers.

After heading straight to House Of Fraser in Victoria to refuel and change into our party gear, we got a cab to Birdcage Walk to the IMechE library.

By coincidence, the RNA party clashed with two other publishing events so editor and agent numbers were slightly down, which turned out to be a golden opportunity for writers to gossip with each other (rather than agents or eds.) Oh you editors, if you knew what you’d all missed…we do share, you know. 😉

The 2010 Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers was presented to Lucy King for her Mills and Boon novel, Bought: Damsel in Distress. Congratulations to Lucy who couldn’t be at the party as she’s in Spain, awaiting a new arrival. Congratulations too, to the other contenders, Georgia Hill and Monique deVere. Last year’s winner, Allie Spencer, gave a lovely, heart-felt speech about how much the New Writers scheme and award means to those who take part in it.

Then it was back home to the Midlands on the Virgin Night Rider (which sounds like the title of an erotic romance but believe me, it wasn’t…)

I hope to have some photos soon, courtesy of Elizabeth Hanbury.

Now I must get ready for the Writers Talk and Workshop I’m hosting with Nell and Liz tomorrow (Saturday) at Wombourne Library, West Midalnds. It’s from 2pm-4pm and the theme is setting the scene. You don’t need a ticket – just turn up!

Comments

1. On May 14th, 2010 at 4:32 am
   Nell Dixon Says:
   

   It was a fab day out!

2. On May 14th, 2010 at 10:57 am
   liz Says:
   

   Great to see you.
   lx

3. On May 14th, 2010 at 11:44 am
   Allie Says:
   

   Hi Phillipa, it was a good night, wasn’t it? Great to see you xx

4. On May 14th, 2010 at 11:56 am
   Phillipa Says:
   

   Nell & Liz: Like I said: It was an honour to fly with you. 🙂

   Allie – yes, hope we can meet up again soon.

5. On May 16th, 2010 at 3:51 am
   Georgia Hill Says:
   

   Lovely to see you again Phillipa! I had a great time, despite not winning!

   Love,

   Georgia Hill xxx

   PS Thanks for the support 🙂